Seafood Fra Diavolo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seafood Fra Diavolo offers the best of both worlds: hearty, satisfying pasta and a vibrant, spicy seafood sauce. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for entertaining. The fresh herbs balance the heat, while the seafood brings a briny freshness that elevates the whole dish. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—use your favorite shellfish and dial the spice level to suit your taste.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1½ to 2 lbs mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, clams, or mussels)
12 oz linguine or spaghetti
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup flavorful liquid substitute
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
½ cup seafood stock or clam juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil and parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

3. Pour in the flavorful liquid and simmer for 1–2 minutes.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and seafood stock. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the seafood: start with clams or mussels, cover and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add scallops and shrimp and cook until shrimp are pink and shellfish have opened, about 5–7 minutes total. Discard any unopened shells.

6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to combine. Use a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Taste and adjust with salt, black pepper, or more red pepper flakes.

8. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Mild Version: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a gentler flavor.

• Shell-Free Option: Use only shrimp and scallops if you prefer not to deal with shells.

• Creamy Twist: Add a splash of cream at the end for a tomato-cream sauce.

• Tomato-Free Version: Swap the tomatoes for a garlic-herb broth for a lighter dish.

• Vegetable Add-In: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added variety.

• Pasta Swap: Try it with fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne for a different texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking the seafood.
Freezing is not recommended due to changes in texture after thawing.

FAQs

What does “Fra Diavolo” mean?

It means “Brother Devil” in Italian, referring to the dish’s spicy flavor profile.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, as long as it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Is Parmesan cheese okay to add?

While not traditional with seafood, a light sprinkle is fine if it suits your taste.

What kind of pasta works best?

Linguine or spaghetti is ideal, but you can use any long or short pasta you prefer.

Can I make this dish ahead?

You can make the sauce ahead, but seafood is best cooked fresh before serving.

What can I serve with this dish?

Crusty bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables are excellent companions.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a moderate kick. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference.

Can I substitute the seafood?

Yes, use whatever combination of shellfish or fish you enjoy.

How do I keep the seafood from overcooking?

Add it in stages and cook just until done—shrimp should be pink and firm, and shellfish should open.

Can I make it without pasta?

Yes, serve the seafood and sauce on rice, polenta, or with crusty bread instead.

Conclusion

Seafood Fra Diavolo is a bold and delicious way to bring restaurant-style seafood into your kitchen. With its rich tomato base, aromatic spices, and tender seafood, it’s a dish that impresses without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself to a gourmet night in, this recipe delivers fiery, coastal Italian flavor in every bite.